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rah
117 Posts |
 Posted - 30 Apr 2006 : 13:27:00
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I use to be a switchboard operator at the PWD Power Station, and in those days, we delivered electricity 24/7, amazing. I understand your frustrations which can only be remedied by switching to Solar Energy which Africa has enough of. Then the petroleum lords wouldn't hijack our meager resources.
Just to make a point, look at the Sun smiling on us too! yeh,rah |
Edited by - rah on 30 Apr 2006 13:56:22 |
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Sister Omega
United Kingdom
2085 Posts |
Posted - 01 May 2006 : 23:55:03
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Hi Rah I agree with you solar is definitely a step in the right direction and it's good to see Solar Energy companies springing up in Gambia.
Dalton you don't have to put money physically into the meter but buy a key and charge, it up at different outlets to pay for the specific amount of electricity you require.
Peace
Sister Omega |
Peace
Sister Omega |
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rah
117 Posts |
Posted - 02 May 2006 : 14:41:52
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Hi Sis, Alternative Energy is a must for developing countries. Oil resources are depleting at an alarming rate, due to China's and India's huge thirst for oil. Even Chins's massive dam project is not enough to quench their thirst for oil. It leaves us, with the only alternative we have enough of, Solar Energy. It will definitely ease our dependence on foreign oil.
Just read from one of the posts on this forum that the discovery of oil in the Gambia was a scam on Jammeh. This is a rude awakening, to get us to diversify out energy needs ASAP. yeh,rah |
Edited by - rah on 02 May 2006 19:06:00 |
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serenata
Germany
1400 Posts |
Posted - 02 May 2006 : 19:15:14
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I agree, Rah, ancient Egyptian Sun God  ! I will always go for solar energy, because it is what Africa has in plenty. Wind energy is fine, too, but only in regions who have enough wind. |
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MADIBA
United Kingdom
1275 Posts |
Posted - 02 May 2006 : 23:45:22
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sister omega et al:
This is piece culled from the Point Newspaper:
Jammeh Urges NAWEC to Work with EU Assistants
Tuesday 2nd May 2006
Gambian President Yahya Jammeh has urged the country’s Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) to work closely with European Union assistants for the good and improvement of Gambian people.
President Jammeh made this call after a meeting with him last Friday by four EU assistants at State House.
The Gambian leader said he would not accept anything that would jeopardize the transmission, distribution, and provision of electricity in the country as The Gambia prepares to host the African Union Summit.
The President also urged NAWEC to improve the distribution network, especially from high voltage to low voltage, for consumers to have access to regular electricity supply.
He advised NAWEC to work with the team for the importation of prepaid metres.
President Jammeh also used the occasion to appeal to Gambians to pay up their Utility bills, and warned those engaged in illegal connection to stop it forthwith.
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njucks
Gambia
1131 Posts |
Posted - 02 May 2006 : 23:52:42
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rah/SO/serenata
i really dont see solar in the houses of gambians in the immediate future partly because too expensive. for the average gambian just enough solar to put a few bulbs and a TV and/or fridge is around 30/50,000. NAWEC certainly will not have a solar program.
there is talk about hydro on the river gambia but in the senegal part of it. perhaps this is the closest to diversifying energy supply.
but honestly i dont think the problem is the type of fuel used? oil is not the problem. |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 02 May 2006 : 23:56:55
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Njuks
I cannot agree more. There are issues beyond oil. Nawec needs to change its work culture which is seriously neede now. Too many leakages and indifferent employees to the needs of customers. When you your money it is if htey are doing you a favour to collect the revenue. No body cares.
We nned some capital investments in the area. Transmission lines are old and leads to loss of energy generated. I am sure there are better knowledgeable people who will do the topic better service.
We had solar. By it is very expensive to maitain. |
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” |
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taalibeh
Gambia
336 Posts |
Posted - 02 May 2006 : 23:59:26
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Oh yes. Normalise the electricity supply as the AU meeting loomes. That is it fellow Gambians. You are nothing to deserve good public services but the useless AU leaders do.
It is only in Africa where a president can despise his fellow country compatriots to this magnitude without a backlash. Wel done jammeh. |
Taalibeh |
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njucks
Gambia
1131 Posts |
Posted - 03 May 2006 : 00:11:26
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 kondorong
yeah i think its about efficiency. cutting cost. difficult decisions but it can be done.
even the British and American Embassies are cutting cost (and they have no reason to). the Visa application is outsourced to Standard Bank. now if you want a Visa they ask you to go and pay at the bank, saving them the trouble of dealing with cash that has to be deposited in a bank anyway.
NAWEC could reduce its branches and ask people to pay directly into banks, saving them operating costly 'customer centre'.the final destination of the bills we pay is the bank anyway? thats a good starting point.
if an electric pole has a problem, a NAWEC pickup with 40 people comes to fix it. one guy would hold the ladder whilst the other climb. there is a driver. and others who simple standby. then there are the 'janga mbay chehs'' . all of this could be done by two people.
its all about efficiency. |
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taalibeh
Gambia
336 Posts |
Posted - 03 May 2006 : 00:28:07
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njucks
What an appropriate prognosis of our current problems. But the problems extend beyond this. The biggest problem is the political structure and set up.
First we need a leader that can recognise the contributions of the professionals and the technocrats. yaya, to be honest, is not the appropriate person under whoes leadership these things could happen. The staff turnover at this department is unprecedented. People are not at liberty to effect reforms and modernisations to take advantage of modern technological development.
For NAWEC to be efficient and accurate in their billing system there needs to be some huge capital investment. If a business ceases to upgrade and modernise its operational efficeincy will suffer. This is the problem with our government institutions. No capital to invest because all the funds are squandered. So we are stuck with the old delapidated and inefficient legacy systems. |
Taalibeh |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 03 May 2006 : 00:33:38
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Njuks
May be we should make you the MD of Nawec. You seem to understand the energy problems. There are practical solutions that can lower cost. Nawec is seriously over staffed and a huge burden on their payroll. We pay bills to pay people who actually have no jobs |
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” |
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Sister Omega
United Kingdom
2085 Posts |
Posted - 03 May 2006 : 01:01:35
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Greetings Everyone,
Hi Njucks, Rah and Madiba although solar panels are expensive at the moment in Gambia, it would be worth Gambia utilising its relationship with Kenya who are further ahead in solar energy products. i.e solar ovens and cookers.
Energy efficient light blubs can substantially reduce electricity bills and are a good investment for those who can afford them. Prepaid meter system will ensure that NAWEC will receive the revenue due to them. It is important that they induce key meters by implementing them. They can also cut back on surplus staff, and invest the money which they would save on paying wages to maintain and expand the Gambia electrcity supply. So, the whole country can also be brought to the level of service which is available in Kanilai. If Jammeh can achieve that goal nationwide then the foundation of Gambian development is laid.
As in the case of India Gambia should adopt the policy whereby when foreign contractors are brought in they must train 51% of the Gambian population on the job so if it breaks down Gambians can fix it themselves.(S.Ba copyright 2006)
Yes Taalibeh timing is everything but let's face it if the AU Summit lights up the sky for Gambia so be it! What matters is that when Gambians switch on their light switch the light works, and if it doesn't it's because they didn't pay their bills. That goes for all the electrical appliances that are available now in Gambia.
Peace
Sister Omega
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Peace
Sister Omega |
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MADIBA
United Kingdom
1275 Posts |
Posted - 03 May 2006 : 01:05:51
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NJUCKS,
You have stated an important factor in cutting cost. In Ghana for example i have noted three yrs ago when i visted them, most drivers are drivers cum mechanic. So instead of having a dozen of loafers on the staff role its better with two effective ones. However, the likely repercussion is what to do with the rest?
TAALIBEH,
You too have scored a vital point. The issue of Leadership cannot be over-emphasised. The leadrship MUST be enlightened and allow the technocrats to do their jobs. If that happens then the technocrats too MUST WORK FOR THE INTEREST OF THE NATION! If that happens not only the energy crisis would be over but other vital sectors would see better days and consequently a BETTER GAMBIA FOR US ALL! |
madiss |
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Sister Omega
United Kingdom
2085 Posts |
Posted - 03 May 2006 : 02:02:20
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Madiba you state a issue of leadership cannot be emphasized so what are the alternative packages on offer in regards to these issues?
peace
Sister Omega |
Peace
Sister Omega |
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MADIBA
United Kingdom
1275 Posts |
Posted - 03 May 2006 : 02:32:59
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SISTER OMEGA,
1. DESPITE SCORING SOME POINTS WHICH HIS PREDECESSOR COULDN'T, JAMMEH NEED TO ADJUST HIMSELF SERIOUSLY. FIRST HE SHOULD LEARN TO BE OBJECTIVE AND NOT SENTIMENTAL ON ISSUES. HE HAD FIRED MANY PEOPLE JUST TO HIRE THEM AGAIN BECOS SOMEONE WHO HAS ACCESS TO STATEHOUSE HAS LIED AGAINST THAT INDIVIDUAL. EVEN IF THIS FIRED GUY IS AN EXPERT IN HIS/HER AREA, WILL LOSE HIS SELF CONFIDENCE. THAT MUST STOP.
2. HE MUST STOP SEEING THE GAMBIA AS HIS PERSONAL PROPERTY OR HER MOST WORTHY SON.LET HIM KNOW THAT THERE BETTER PEOPLE OUT THERE ONLY IF THEY HAD THE CHANCE HE HAD.
3. HE MUST GO BACK TO THEIR INITIAL MOTTO TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND PROBITY
4.HE SHOULD STOP TAMPERING WITH THE CONSTITUTION ESPECIALLY THE TERM LIMIT. GAMBIANS KNOW THAT IT WAS THERE BEFORE. WHY HAS IT BEEN REMOVED?
MY SISTER THE LIST CAN GO ON AND ON. I DON'T HATE JAMMEH AS AN INDIVIDUAL BUT WHEN IT COMES TO NATIONAL ISSUES THE GAMBIA IS FIRST |
madiss |
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